Are you planning a trip to the USA and not sure what to do? Then reading this article can help you! So, keep reading and find why you must visit Tennessee at least once in your life.
The United States of America is full of wonders. From work, education, research to entertainment, vacation, getaway, art, music, culture, and so on—tourists in the numbers of millions visit the USA every year.
The country is a dream destination for many. The attractions of this country tickle the fancy of both domestic and foreign tourists.
Every US state has something unique to offer. Therefore, we’re going to talk about one of such states, Tennessee.
Being the home to Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and many dance and music halls, Tennessee is the heart of the country music scene. You can find the roots of music forms like Rock ‘n’ Roll, Soul, Blues, Rap, and Hip Hop in this state. Apart from that, the state is also rich in history and nature.
Hence, to get the best of the history, art, culture, music, and geology of the USA, one must explore Tennessee. And hence, we have formed a list out of reasons why you must visit this state.
You Must Visit Tennessee at least once in your Life
#Music
The one thing that Tennessee is most famous for has to be music. The roots of many modern music forms, especially those that emerged in the second half of the 20th century, can be traced in this state. This explains why it is famously known as the ‘Music City’. Visiting the musical attractions in Tennessee as listed below, you will better understand the essence of American music:
✔ National Museum of African American Music
Situated in Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music was opened in 2020. As the name suggests, it showcases music genres that were inspired, created, or influenced by African Americans.
✔ Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Music Venue
Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Music Venue is situated in Historic Downtown Bristol. Along with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, it holds the famous music festivals of Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion every year.
✔ Nashville Studio Tour
With its venue in Berry Hill, Nashville Studio Tour is a live music venue. With this tour, you can go behind the real recording session with a CMA and ACM nominated recording star. It also includes acoustic music performances, stories, and Q&A sessions.
✔ Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry is an American stage concert in Nashville that takes place weekly. This is one of the must-visit places for music lovers in Tennessee. Here, you can take a backstage tour and buy something memorial from its gift shop.
✔ Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is operated by the Soulsville Foundation. If you are interested in American Soul Music, then you must visit this museum.
✔ Sun Studios
Another musical attraction of Tennessee, Sun Studios is situated in the city of Memphis. Opened by rock-and-roll pioneer Sam Phillips, it is one of the most important attractions for music lovers in the state.
✔ Johnny Cash Museum
Situated in Nashville, Johnny Cash Museum was opened with the aim to honor the life and music of the American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor Johnny Cash. So, if you are a fan of the “Man in Black” country superstar, you must visit this place.
#History
Many tourists visit Tennessee since it is home to the history of nearly 1,500 Civil Wars in America. Hence, it is also home to a lot of historical sites. Three of the American presidents belonged to this state and their homes, which are now converted into museums, are great sites to visit. Visiting various places in this state, you can get a greater understanding of the struggle for human rights from the 1600s to the present. You can experience the historical richness of Tennessee in the following ways:
✔ Civil Rights Movement History
Tennessee was undoubtedly most influenced by the Civil Rights Movement. Thus, it is home to many museums and memorials of the Civil Rights War in America. You can learn a lot about American history from the 17th century onwards especially in Tennessee.
✔ Presidential History
The Hermitage, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Library, and Museum, etc. are some of the important attractions of Tennessee that are central to the political history of America.
✔ Art and Music
The state is also home to many historical attractions of art and music. We have already talked about how Tennessee is an important part of American musical history. As for art, it is also home to various art museums and galleries like the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art.
#Nature
Many visit Tennessee since it has a lot to offer for nature lovers as well. The state is home to the most famous and most visited national park of the country—The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can get a wide variety of beautiful natural settings throughout the city. Below listed are some of the natural attractions of the state that makes it totally worth the visit:
✔ The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This national park situated in Tennessee is home to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. It is the most famous national park in the United State as it receives the highest footfall. Hence, Tennessee is the destination of many international and domestic tourists.
✔ Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park of Tennessee is one of the key spots for tourism in the state. The park has great hiking trails, campsites, and cabins which makes it a perfect spot to spend your holidays in the lap of nature.
✔ Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Also famous as Big South Fork, this national river and recreation area is a great natural attraction. There is just a lot to do here. You can go hiking, take a guided tour or have a picnic with your family—given that you get time from being in awe by the mesmerizing outlooks.
✔ The Lost Sea
The Lost Sea situated in Tennessee is famous all across the globe for being one of the largest underwater lakes. The glass-bottomed boat tour provided here makes it totally worth the tour!
Wrapping Up
The US state of Tennessee is a great place to be on your vacation. As you will realize having read this article, Tennessee is rich in history, geological wonders, and music. Hence, you must visit this state at least once in your life! So, pack your bags already and book your flight tickets now!